TOP TEN REASONS TO VISIT CANBERRA, CAPITAL OF AUSTRALIA:

There is a lot of amazing places to see in Australia. You can choose from a chilled out evening at one of Australia’s amazing beaches, hang out at a local pub, go on a wildlife trail, embark upon an intense trek or try out the Ski Resorts in Australia. There is something for everyone.

This time we are discussing Canberra. Canberra, the capital of Australia has a lot to offer to the discerning traveler. I visited Canberra recently and was impressed to see that there were so many amazing things to see/do/eat in Canberra. And did you know, it is the capital of Australia? In this blog, I am listing below some of my best experiences in Canberra.

The Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve houses wildlife which is unique to Australia. I easily spotted Kangaroos, wallabies, cockatoos, koalas, emus, magpie and many other species. I even saw a fleeting glimpse of the platypus, which is difficult to spot. An easy and quick walk takes one to the Hanging Rock which is the former home of the aboriginals of Australia. It was my most favourite part of the trip.

Floriade, the largest flower show of the Southern Hemisphere has something for everyone. There is more to Floriade than just beautifully arranged flowers beds though. You can enjoy a ride on the swings, eat delicious food, attend music gigs or just sit by the pristine lake and admire the art installations. As you navigate through the ocean of tulips in unimaginable colors, you will stumble upon art installations and sculptures set amidst nature. The Night fest, a weekend bonus, allows you to enjoy pop- up performances, gigs by musicians and comedians. Locally crafted beer from Capital Brewing Co will keep you going. It reminded me of the Tulip festival of Srinagar in India.

Book with: The affable Kerstin Wallace is a mine on knowledge on not only Floriade but also Canberra. E mail her at: hire-a-guide@netspeed.com.au

+ (0) 415632502

Segway ride at lake Burley Griffin. Canberra, Australia

3. SEGWAY AT LAKE BURLEY GRIFFIN, CANBERRA:

The Lake Burley Griffin impressed me with its well planned layout. The artificial lake was completed in 1963 and named after Walter Burley Griffin, the architect of Canberra City. While locals come here for a jog or walk, travelers like me enjoy the segway ride. I segwayed my way through the Parliamentary area. It was my first Segway experience and I am hooked for life.

On the way to Nasa’s Deep Space Communications complex in Tidbinbilla valley. Canberra, Australia

4. EXPLORE THE OLD AND NEW PARLIAMENTS OF CANBERRA:

Do you know that it is possible to visit the old and the new Parliament in Canberra. What’s more? You can even see a live session in the House of Representatives. The design of the new Parliament is simple yet elegant. And the Australian flag at the top of the building is the size of a double decker bus. And oh, the new parliament has a cool café too.

Stained Glass at Australian War Memorial. Canberra, Australia

5. LAST POST CEREMONY AT AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL:

The ‘Last Post Ceremony’ is a poignant ritual which is performed daily at the Australian War Memorial. Every day one person from the ‘Roll Of Honor’ is commemorated. The Roll of Honor includes the names of the people who had served and died in war. The ceremony begins with Australian National Anthem and bagpiper’s lament.

Say hello to a robot at Questacon. Freaky, yeah! Canberra, Australia

6. QUESTACON- GREAT FOR SCIENCE ENTHUSISTS

Canberra is a delight for science lovers. While Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre is the science paradise for kids. You can see how lightening works or understand wildlife by studying the faux skulls of wild animals or even interact with a real robot (eerie, I know!). There are interesting workshops which unravels the mystery behind natural phenomenon. My favorite was: Experiencing the earthquake at different levels on the richter scale.

NASA’s Deep Space Communications Complex near Canberra city gives deep insight about all things space. It is just 35 kilometers away from Canberra City. There are only 2 more such complexes in world, viz. U.S.A and Spain. Set amidst the wilderness of Tidbinbilla valley, it boasts of huge antennas which can be viewed from behind glass windows. The exhibits include food which astronauts carry in space, space suits, a replica of Mars Exploration Rover. And can you believe, it has a real rock from moon. Just 3.8 billion years old, eh!

Book with: The charming and witty Alin Jugovic from Blue Sky Tours showed me around. I recommend them for a hassle free trip.

E mail them at: adventures@blueskytours.com.au

The vegetarian Burrata is a mozzarella cheese overdose. But who’s complaining. At the Italian restaurant Agostinis, East Hotel and Apartments, Canberra, Australia

8. VEGETARIAN AND VEGAN FOOD GALORE IN CANBERRA:

Before I flew to Canberra with Singapore airlines, I was a bit worried about the food since I am a vegetarian. However, to my delight, I realized, it was easy to find vegetarian and even vegan food in Canberra. I devoured authentic Italian dishes like Burrata, Frico at Agostinis (East Hotel and Apartments) and vegetarian burgers (loaded with aubergines) at Capital Brewing Co. and Brodburger. The delicious waffle at the Muse Canberra made for a sumptuous breakfast. I relished delicious mushroom burger and coffee at Maple + Clove. It was also very easy to find the Indian vegetarian dishes (most of them are in Canberra City Centre). The super market like Coles stored Indian brands like Haldiram and it was easy to pick some Indian snacks and meals in case you start craving. No, I didn’t have to survive on fruits and breads.

Floriade. Flower show. Canberra, Australia

9. THE FRIENDLY PEOPLE OF CANBERRA WON MY HEART:

The people of Canberra are one of the friendliest I have met. You ask them one question; they will help you with 5 answers. Whether you need help with directions or want to ask if the cheese in the super market has rennet in it, they will readily help you. No question is too small. They are great listeners. They will patiently listen to every query of yours. The big sunshine smiles of people of Canberra make them one of the most happy and cheerful people I have met during my travels.

The vibrant Bunda Street at Canberra City Center. Canberra, Australia

10. THE VIBRANT CANBERRA CITY CENTER:

The vibrant Canberra City centre is lined with shops selling clothes, books, CDs, souvenirs, the works! Its streets are lined with chic cafes and restaurants, including many Indian and Chinese ones. Canberra Centre mall is good to start with (Its food court sells authentic Indian food). Bunda street in the civic shopping area of the civic zone boasts of the best of cafes and nightclubs.

Check out this video of AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA

Canberra grew on me as I discovered it layer by layer. The crisp spring air made it even more pleasant. Wildlife, Science, Heritage, Adventure sports, great food. You name it. Canberra has it. It will always be special to me because I saw my first kangaroo and koala here. With so much going for it, when are you booking that Singapore airlines flight ticket.

I also visited Melbourne and Sydney during my 10 day long maiden Australia trip. I travelled from Canberra to Melbourne on a bus and from Melbourne to Sydney on a train. Though, the Melbourne to Sydney train was comfortable and pocket friendly, how I wished I had done a road trip. When I read this blog, I realized what I missed by not doing a road trip from Melbourne to Sydney- the landscapes, the abundant wildlife, sigh! Australia is huge and despite my 10 days long trip to Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra, I want to come back and do lots of road trips and of course explore Brisbane, Gold Coast, Perth and Darwin.

How to reach Canberra:

I traveled to Canberra in the business class of Singapore Airlines. Everything from the food, to service, to seats and facilities were flawless.

Best Time to Go to Canberra:

I visited Canberra during the spring time (September-October). Everyone I met in Canberra told me that I am lucky with the weather. It was breezy, not too cold and not hot at all. Spring is also when the Floriade happens. I couldn’t have wished for a better weather. It was just perfect!

East Hotel and Apartment, near Manuka Oval and Kingston. Canberra, Australia

Where to Stay in Canberra:

East Hotel and Apartment, located just walking distance from the Kingston and Manuka Oval is a great place to stay. The room (Room number 501) was cozy, comfortable and came with a charming balcony. Amenities in the room include TV, Lamps, Mini Bar, Coffee making machine and a private Jacuzzi bathtub. The restaurant serves amazing authentic Italian dishes (including vegan). Thanks to its central location it is close to all the points of interests in Canberra. It is walking distance from the cool cafes and super market Coles. Staff is friendly and helpful.

CANBERRA EXCURSIONS:

What did I do after exploring Canberra solo? I took a bus from Canberra to Melbourne and explored the city all day. On the second day my friend Poornendu Tyagi drove me to the picturesque The Great Ocean Road Trip

After Melbourne, I took a train from Melbourne to Sydney. I did the beach walks and explored the city. The Bondi to Coogee walk was scenic.

Nasa’s Deep Space Research Complex. Canberra, Australia

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I am originally from Australia and I have only been to Canberra one and that was to get a new passport. I never knew that it had so much to offer like the The National Science and Technology Centre. I also love the look and sound of the food at Italian restaurant Agostinis

This place sounds wonderful!! I’ve never been to Australia and have always wondered how easy it is to actually see kangaroos. Glad to hear it’s easy to spot them here! Also love that there are Vegan options. The food looks to die for in your pics.

Canberra looks good through your pictures and words. I am keen on exploring the food there. But meeting Kangaroos, wallabies, cockatoos, koalas, emus, and magpie will be high on my agenda. I am in love with adorable Koalas.

Australia is on my bucket list, but mainly included Sydney and Melbourne and now Canberra has been added to the list. I loved the lake, an artificial one but still looks so refreshing and a delight to experience. Nice to know the city has a lot of vegan options too, as I also prefer vegetarian food while I travel and that’s a plus for me. Hope I get to see Australia soon!!

The only reason I decided to visit Canberra was because my Bestie lives there. But Canberra blew me over with its charm and would love to visit again. I couldn’t see the flower show and would love to see that. I loved seeing the House of Representatives when I was there too.

Canberra sounds useful for those who want to see wildlife, as a fan of wildlife photography that includes me. It sounds perfect for vegans and vegetarians too which is a growing community. I would definitely visit NASA’s deep space communications complex, these places are so interesting!

I’ve always know Aussie to be one of the most beautiful country, but your posts makes me want to declare it as the fairest of all. Canberry promises so much that I can’t even favorite what to do/sea/eat. I look forward to a visit to Australia and I’d do/see/eat as much as you enjoyed.

Every picture of yours during your trip had me captivated. This is one place now I really want to go. I sure want to do that Segway and spend some time with those marsupials. Koalas in particular 🙂 . Well captured Abhinav.

Australia is my all time favorite as I have lived my most beautiful time in Melbourne for a year. I missed Canberra that time and now I regret that, why I missed. Wildlife of Australia is really always appealing. To spot kangaroo anywhere is so fun thing to do here. Also you have said correctly that people of Australia are very friendly and cheerful.

So many variety of things to enjoy in Canberra, I am sure everyone will have something of their liking here. The flower show is my pick while I know my little daughter will definitely enjoy the wildlife… 🙂

I have often thought that places like Canberra and Darwin are overshadowed by Melbourne and Sydney. Its really nice to come across a post like this through which travellers can get an over view of places like this. The segway ride seems fun.

The great outdoors of Australia has been seductively beckoning us for some time. Hope we get there soon, your post has fueled our desires to get there ASAP. The fact that there is ample vegan/vegetarian food options in Canberra does make things easier for us.

I have always wanted to visit Australia and the pictures you have posted are so gorgeous and really makes me want to plan a trip right now. My brother just moved to Sydney and am gonna share this with him 🙂

First Thank You for your valuable information. Australia is the best and beautiful place to explore. i am beginner in traveling world and your blogs help me a lot. i must have to say that, whenever i plan my trip, First i read related blog in your blog and after that i make my trip plan. Your inspiration.